A/ Prof Amanda Vincent MBBS, BMed Sci, FRACP, PhD
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Monash University
Endocrinologist, Menopause Clinic, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), loss of ovarian function before age 40 years, and early menopause (EM), menopause age 40-44 years, affects almost 4% and 12% of women respectively. POI or EM occurs spontaneously or secondary to medical treatment. Over the past 15 years our mixed methods research has explored POI/ EM in Australia. We highlighted:
Women:
- Low POI/EM awareness, dissatisfaction with the diagnostic process, multiple disabling symptoms with predominately negative perceptions regarding POI/EM, significant physical/psychological /social impacts, difficulty communicating with health professionals, uncertainty about health impacts and treatment, and difficulty accessing care.
- Impaired musculoskeletal health including reduced osteoporosis knowledge, bone density, trabecular bone score and measures of skeletal muscle mass.
- EM due to medical treatment is associated with an increased risk of death compared to women without EM. The risk of other health problems varies according to the cause of EM.
Health professionals:
- Current POI/ EM guidelines varied in quality with significant deficiencies seen.
- Knowledge gaps and variation in clinical care depending on the type of specialist or general practitioner.
Translation:
In response to these findings, we co-designed digital tools for women and health professionals including:
- ASK Early Menopause App
- Healthtalk Australia early menopause digital resource